Opioid Withdrawal Timeline

While it’s easy to become dependent on opiates, it’s much harder to break that addiction. In fact, when you stop taking opioids once and for all, it’s known as detox. While detox is a step in the right direction, it will lead to a withdrawal. Take a closer look at the opioid withdrawal timeline, as well as what to expect once it is complete.

Committing to Addiction Recovery

Opioid withdrawal doesn’t start until the client has decided that it’s time to begin recovery. However, this first step is often the hardest. Once a person decides to stop depending on opioid drugs, the withdrawal can begin.

Imagine the clock for the opioid withdrawal timeline starts with the last use of the drug. From that point on, withdrawal can begin. Moreover, most clients will not notice the effects of withdrawal for several hours. That moment in time, however, is marked as the very beginning of the detox process, or hour zero.

Initial Withdrawal Symptoms Begin

There are two major types of opioid drugs that users may consume. For example, the first group is short-acting opioids. These are designed to begin working right away, but they don’t last as long in the system. Long-acting opioids, however, take longer to work, but can metabolize for 24 hours or more.

When the first withdrawal symptoms begin will depend on the kind of opioids being consumed. Those who use heroin, for example, might begin experiencing withdrawal symptoms after just six hours. Those with a long-acting painkiller addiction might not notice withdrawal symptoms for 12 or even 24 hours.

Peak of Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms

Roughly three days into withdrawal, or 72 hours, clients can expect to hit the peak of withdrawal symptoms. In fact, this is the most challenging part of a opiate detox.

Some of the more common withdrawal symptoms at this point include nausea, chills, diarrhea, strong cravings and dehydration. In rare cases, more severe withdrawal symptoms are also possible. That’s why it’s key for all clients to be in a medical environment during detox.

Tapering of Withdrawal Symptoms

After the peak of withdrawal passes, symptoms will begin to taper off. This is a brief process, and most clients are complete detox just a week after they begin.

The Final Steps of the Opioid Withdrawal Timeline

A medically supervised detox is just the beginning of addiction treatment. Furthermore, clients also need to commit to rehab treatment. At Crest View Recovery Center, clients can expect quality, comprehensive care that addresses the underlying issues and factors leading to opioid addiction. To achieve sobriety, therapy methods can include:

Understanding the timeline for opioid withdrawal can help you better understand the entire recovery process. At Crest View Recovery Center in Asheville, North Carolina, overcoming addiction includes rehab treatment. Call 866-327-2505 to overcome addiction and take back control of your life.